Anaimalai

About the city

Looking at the Ulandy Range from a distance, one can only wonder at nature's extraordinary generosity in crafting these forests on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. The foliage is in shades varying from bottle green and jade to a touch of emerald. Get closer and you can see the leaves rustling in the wind. The rustling arouses myriad birds, which begin to call in varying pitches, their soft calls wafting gently over the valleys. you are in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over nearly 1,000 sq km on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border and stomping ground of the elephant.

Trekking

The quaintly-named Elephant Song Nature Trail from Anappadi to Karian Shola and back and the Bison Trail from Anappadi to Seechali are soft treks that last about two hours (Tariff: Rs 10 0 for 5, plus guide). The Kannimara Trail from Anappadi to Kannimara Teak via Thoonakkadavu and the inspirationally named Flying Hooves Nature Trail (Anappadi-Parambikkulam-Earth Dam-Karimala-Anappadi) are medium treks that take half a day (Tariff: Rs 150 for 5, plus a guide). These two guided treks cost Rs 200 for 5. For nature walks and treks, contact the Reception Centre at Top Slip. Centre timings: 6:00 am-6:00 pm.